'South Africa will bring physicality and intensity': Lions second Test preview

The British & Irish Lions secured a historic victory over South Africa on Saturday, pulling off their biggest Test comeback since 1938. The world champion Springboks will not lie down, however, and will surely come back stronger this weekend.

When, where and how to watch the match

The match will kick-off at 17:00 (BST) on Saturday July 31st at Cape Town Stadium.

It will be broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland, Supersport in South Africa, Stan Sport in Australia and Sky in New Zealand.

Head-to-head

Across the last four series between the two teams, dating back to 1980, the Springboks have won six and the Lions have won five matches.

1980

South Africa 26-24 Lions

South Africa 26-19 Lions

South Africa 12-10 Lions

South Africa 13-17 Lions

1997

South Africa 16-25 Lions

South Africa 15-18 Lions

South Africa 35-16 Lions

2009

South Africa 26-21 Lions

South Africa 28-25 Lions

South Africa 9-28 Lions

2021

South Africa 17-22 Lions

British and Irish Lions' centre Owen Farrell (C) celebrates with teammates after victory in the first rugby union Test match between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions at The Cape Town Stadium (Photo by RODGER BOSCH/AFP via Getty Images)

Match odds from Bet365

Bet365 have the Lions as 10/13 favourites to win the second Test, with 7/4 odds of a winning margin of 1-10 points. They also have 12/5 odds on a 3-0 series win.*

Use bonus code RUGBYPASS and Get Up to £100 in Bet Credits**

Prediction

Like many pundits and former players, 2001 and 2005 Lions tourist Jason Robinson was hugely impressed with the performance in Cape Town, but is aware that the Springboks will come back stronger. Having won the first Test against the Wallabies in 2001, Robinson and the Lions lost the next two, and he will know what is coming.

“I have an idea of what’s coming in this next Test. South Africa will bring physicality and intensity,” Robinson told the PA news agency.

“They’ll know they only played for 40 minutes, as did the Lions, and that’s why it was such a close contest. South Africa will know they don’t have a cushion against the Lions, so they have to really take it to the Lions.

“Either team will know that on their day they can win this next Test and that’s what makes it interesting.”

*Odds accurate as of 26/07/21. BeGambleAware.org 18+ Gamble Responsibly

**New customers only. Min deposit £5. Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.